The excitement of having your first child is something that can't be explained, the joy and mixtures of different emotions that come with it. But have you asked yourself What parenting is all about? What does it take to be a strategic, effective parent? What if I failed thereby, resulting in ineffective parenthood?

Who is a Parent, and what constitutes Parenting?

Any custodian of offspring in the same species is a parent to that offspring. A parent evolved due to the union of two mature gametes, sperm from the male and ovum from the female, that gives rise to offspring. Although, parents refer to bearers of offspring. However, it can also refer to any caretaker not biologically related to a child as long as they provide a positive, nurturing, safe, and conducive environment for the child’s growth into a productive and beneficial adult.

Parenting Skills -What are they?

Moreover, strategic and effective parenting doesn’t just evolve automatically, but most entail the three primary goals to become that effective:

● Protecting, Caring, and keeping children healthy.

● Preparing children to become independent beneficial adults.

● Teaching and inculcating positive values.

Types of Parenting Strategies:

Children are fragile, cute, and loyal beings, but they can sometimes be difficult to nurture into

mentally strong and healthy kids. Some parents could either become lenient, vigilant or strict, or even neglectful. However, different effective parenting strategies are known with peculiar characteristics. So, what do you choose for yourself and your children?

● Authoritarian or Retributive Parenting Strategy

● Authoritative or Democratic Parenting Strategy

● Permissive or Indulgent Parenting Strategy and

● Neglectful or Involved Parenting Strategy

Authoritarian parenting strategies are hostile and aggressive and not open to any negotiation. The parents make all the decisions. This parenting strategy is famous for saying, " Do it! Because I said so &quot and is strict with authoritarian rules. Parents opt for punishment instead of discipline in helping their children make the right decisions.

Democratic strategic styles involve high expectations of parents from children but are

comforting and productive. The parents are affectionate to their children and supportive,

providing the freedom needed and encouraging independence.

A permissive method is the opposite of an authoritarian strategy. Here, the parents are warmer and more nurturing, making children friends, and giving them more freedom rather than being role models. The parents in this situation don’t enforce rules on their children.

Lastly, the neglectful parenting strategy is the most disliked parenting style. Here, the parents are more preoccupied with their own needs and work rather than afford time for their children. There is a lack of a sense of affection and connection between the parents and the offspring.

However, you may still wonder which parenting strategy is most effective. Well, It’s best to embed all types of parenting strategies. Because every strategy has its advantages and

disadvantages, a combination of all will yield a better result.